A shy teen with a learning disability takes part in a leadership program that reveals hidden talents. Devoted teachers get funding for innovative projects their school districts can’t afford. And hearing-impaired students excel in school with help from high-tech hearing aids. These are just three ways in which the Special Education Foundation helps children with disabilities—and their families. “SEF picks up where tax dollars stop, offering Special School District (SSD) students programs, scholarships and specialized equipment that aren’t covered by public funding,” says executive director Diane Buhr.
Erica Runge developed self-confidence by participating in SEF’s Fred Saigh Leadership Program when she was a junior at Oakville High School. “I was painfully shy, and having a learning disability didn’t help,” Runge recalls. “But through the Saigh program, I discovered a passion for public speaking.” She entered the 2010 Miss Teen St. Louis pageant—and won. Now 22, she’s majoring in elementary education at Lindenwood University.
Each year SEF awards more than $45,000 in Dana Brown Charitable Trust mini-grants to SSD teachers for enrichment activities beyond the basic curriculum. The grants support up to 50 programs not funded through the district. “SEF grants enable teachers to create learning opportunities for students in a wide range of areas, including literacy and math skills, physical fitness, personal care and character development,” says Stephanie Valleroy, principal of Northview School. “These programs help kids build friendships and gain confidence, which leads to success in school and beyond.”
SEF, now celebrating its 30th anniversary, serves more than 5,000 students annually, but the waiting list keeps growing. The foundation is financially independent from SSD and receives no support from United Way. “We rely on donations from generous St. Louisans,” Buhr says. The annual Dan McLaughlin Golf Tournament & Dinner Auction, a major fundraiser, takes place Oct. 13 at Norwood Hills Country Club. Co-chairs are Lee Tilghman, Mike Hopson, Bob Kijowski and Don Davis; Karen Carter and Barbara Prueitt serve as coordinators.
SEF also provides assistive devices seldom covered by Medicaid or private insurance, including more than $30,000 annually in hearing aids to families in need. “My children, Alexandra and Matthew, have a rare genetic disorder that causes cancer and malformed eardrums,” explains Diane Pearl of Eureka, Mo. “Alexandra’s impairment was so severe, she couldn’t learn to read. Both kids required digital hearing aids—Matt needed two. But they cost more than $3,000 each, and insurance didn’t cover it.”
Thanks to SEF, the kids got their hearing aids. Alexandra, who now loves to read, graduated from Eureka High School and starts college soon, with help from an SEF scholarship. Matthew, 17, plays in a rock band and has a lab internship at Harvard Medical School next year. “Most parents’ three favorite words from their kids are ‘I love you,’” Pearl says. “But in our house, we rejoiced the first time they turned on their aids and said, ‘I can hear!’ The boost in their independence and self-esteem has been life-changing.”
Pictured: Erica Runge
Photo Courtesy of Erica Runge
[The 12th annual Dan McLaughlin Golf Tournament & Dinner Auction, a benefit for the Special Education Foundation, takes place Oct. 13 at Norwood Hills Country Club. Cost per golfer is $350; dinner only is $75. For more information, call 314.394.7030 or visit sef-stl.org.]
